Childhood: sold, silenced, stolen

AI Summary

Child marriage remains prevalent in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region amid poverty, migration, fears over girls’ safety, and weak institutional protections. The article describes the harms faced by girls and highlights efforts to support education and independence as alternatives.

In Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, child marriage persists as families grapple with fears over girls’ safety and so-called honour. Poverty and migration add to the problem, while predators, weak institutions, and a marriage market deepen their vulnerability. Radheshyam Jadhav follows girls and women caught in this cycle and those fighting to break it through education and independence